WEEK 31
TO DANCE, OR NOT TO DANCE….?
Earlier this year my mother celebrated her 97th birthday. As she likes to say, “I’m still alive in ’25!” Mom came to live with us just over a year ago and everyday we’re blown away with how active and engaged she is.
As spry as my mom can be, there are times when her body lets her down. Her shoulders hurt, back aches, and her knees feel like wooden blocks.
Along with physical issues, at 97 my mother has had to watch most of her friends and family pass away, including her younger brother and younger sister.
Some days I see my mother sitting in her room and you can just feel a huge weight of worry fall on top of her.
In those moments I’ll sneak off and put on some music, a little Gladys Knight, or maybe some Luther Vandross, and then…
Here comes my mother! Dancing down the hallway! A beautiful grin lights up my mother’s entire face and her hips start to do rolls that I still can’t do! It’s like that massive weight lifts right up off of her.
Nothing changes - but everything changes…
It’s remarkable to witness. Choosing to step in the circle pulls my mother’s thoughts away from the concerns that are out of her control.
The groove snaps her into the present. She forgets the pain of the past, and her future looks as bright as the sun.
All her “shoulda, coulda, woulda’s” drift away. Her knees are good, back feels strong and her shoulders relax. Her entire demeanor is uplifted and she experiences a new level of freedom.
Right now, where is it in your life or business that you need to “dance”?
Where you are brooding over scenarios that haven’t happened, or sitting in regret over past mistakes?
Where is it that you need to get up right now, walk away from the cloud of over-analysis and move toward fresh possibilities that lie right in front of you? Toward a new horizon that’s just waiting for your engagement.
There are times we need to focus on aspects of our life or business, but there are times we need to step away and “dance”!
This requires us to stop thinking which can be counter intuitive, but the results are powerful. Being present frees us from the weight of damaging thoughts we’re carrying. We’re able to see our surroundings with new eyes.
The power of being present, both for your mental state and the creativity it offers access to can’t be overstated.
When we step into something larger than ourselves it doesn't allow our limiting thoughts to be the final word.
It’s time to add “dance” back into your life! Whether in a conversation at work, playing hide and seek with your child, or letting go with your favorite tune. Choose to be present, re-connect to the greatness that surrounds you... and dance!
INTERESTING FACT:
In a 21-year study of senior citizens, 75 and older, led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City they found these various activities had the following ability to reduce the risk of dementia:
0% - bicycling, swimming, playing golf
35% - reading
47% - crossword puzzles four days a week
76% - DANCING REGULARLY! (like my Mom!)
If you would like to learn more about breaking through into thriving engagement and our Step in the Circle Framework, I would love to bring an interactive keynote or workshop to your organization or group!
Let’s talk about reactivating leaders and teams through keynotes, team building & trainings!
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​If you’re social, let’s connect! - Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for insights, clips and quotes, as we continue to activate and guide others into the Circle!
P.S. We’re always looking to improve our newsletters as we share our message and grow this movement. If you have feedback or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you!
Keep Groovin'
Bradley
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© BRADLEY RAPIER